The off-season vegetable project was running smoothly.
Aside from record-keeping, which required literate individuals, the local experienced farmers, with decades of farming knowledge, often proved more adept at the actual cultivation process.
When Song Wei arrived, the record-keeping educated youths were in the midst of a heated discussion with the farmers.
“Based on the lessons from last time, I think the issue with some vegetables not growing well was due to insufficient sunlight. We should leave openings in the areas of the greenhouse covered with straw to allow more light in. Place the stoves beneath these openings to keep the inside warm while maximizing light.”
“Also, we need a fixed watering team this time. Last time, some people were so fascinated by the crops that they kept coming to water and fertilize them, which led to some vegetables rotting from overwatering.”
The record-keepers meticulously documented the causes of crop failures or poor growth from the previous round and discussed strategies for improvement.
The greenhouse operation was bustling, thriving with activity and optimism.
Even Gao Le and Zhao Su, who were usually idle, had joined in.
These two had invested money in the venture and had already received dividends from the sale of some vegetables. While they hadn’t fully recouped their investment yet, much of the produce was still unsold. Crops like tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers, which take longer to mature, were expected to sell at higher prices. After calculating, they realized they wouldn’t just break even—they could potentially make a profit of 20 or 30 yuan.
This was their first time earning money.
Though both were from wealthy families, the satisfaction of earning their own money was unparalleled. As a result, they became much more invested in the greenhouse project, frequently stopping by to check on its progress whenever they had time.
“Song Zhiqing is here!”
The crowd warmly greeted her upon seeing her arrival.
Song Wei smiled and nodded as she joined them to review their records and check on the crops inside the greenhouse.
The second batch of seedlings had sprouted, their tender green shoots thriving under the greenhouse’s care.
Crops like tomatoes and eggplants were already bearing fruit. Experienced farmers shared their wisdom about spacing, fertilizing, weeding, and soil aeration.
The record-keepers, filled with enthusiasm for their role, had even researched agricultural books from the town’s scrap station to address issues like nutrient deficiencies causing yellowing leaves. They studied late into the night, discussing solutions with the farmers and learning valuable skills in the process.
Everyone was working hard to ensure the success of the greenhouses.
For the first time, the educated youths and villagers were collaborating seamlessly. The villagers were happy to share their expertise, and the youths were equally eager to learn and contribute.
Song Wei noticed the sparkle of motivation in the record-keepers’ eyes, a sentiment shared by the other youths who wore smiles of satisfaction.
In the afternoon, the brigade leader called for a meeting.
Wrapped in thick cotton-padded coats, with hands tucked into their sleeves, the villagers gathered to hear the chief announce excitedly through a loudspeaker that their village could finally afford a tractor.
The news caused a commotion.
“A tractor? Can our Ping’an Brigade really get a tractor?”
“Where would we even get one? Chief, don’t pull our legs.”
“Wait, I heard there’s already a tractor in the village! Lin Zhen brought it back yesterday, and it hasn’t left yet. Could it be that one?”
The villagers buzzed with excitement, their chatter drowning out the chief’s voice.
“Quiet down, everyone! The tractor is indeed the one Lin Zhen brought back yesterday. He pulled some strings at the agricultural machinery station to secure it for us. Although it’s second-hand, it’s been thoroughly inspected and repaired by their staff. Other than being a bit old, there’s nothing wrong with it. It costs 1,200 yuan. From now on, it will be communal property for the Ping’an Brigade. Each household will contribute to the cost. No objections, right?”
A new tractor would cost around 3,000 yuan, so getting this second-hand one for 1,200 yuan was a bargain.
Most villagers were on board, but a few grumbled about the expense, likely hoping to enjoy the benefits without paying their share.
However, this wasn’t allowed. The tractor was for communal use, especially valuable during the busy farming seasons when it could save both time and effort. Anyone refusing to contribute would face backlash from those who did. Those claiming they couldn’t afford it were told their share could be deducted from their work points the following year.
The chief’s tone was firm. “This tractor is a huge asset for our community. I won’t tolerate anyone holding us back on this matter.”
With the chief’s authority, the matter was settled, and the Ping’an Brigade successfully acquired the tractor.
The villagers, young and old, cheered as they ran toward the tractor, ignoring the biting cold to touch its icy metal surface with glee.
After the excitement died down, most people dispersed to escape the cold, but their joy lingered.
Later, Song Wei was invited to Mrs. Wang’s home for a chat. She accepted the invitation, bringing along her knitting supplies to join the older women.
At Mrs. Wang’s, the women sat around a warm kang bed-stove, sewing, knitting sweaters, or patching clothes for their grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Heidan was busy showing off photos and candies to his friends.
“Comrade Song Wei, did you hear? Lin Da Hai was arrested.”
Sitting cross-legged, Song Wei perked up immediately at the juicy gossip.
“Not just Lin Da Hai, but also a woman named Liu Chunyan. You mentioned her before, didn’t you? Lin Da Hai and his mother refused to admit anything, but it turned out that woman’s belly started to show. They were reported for their shameless behavior.”
Song Wei quickly took out some White Rabbit candies from her pocket and placed them on the small table.
“Aunties, tell me more. Take some candies and share all the details.”
The women’s faces lit up at the sight of the candy, their toothy grins revealing gaps in their teeth.
“Wow, White Rabbit candies!”
One elderly woman’s eyes widened.
“These are so expensive! I heard they’re made with real milk. Even the town’s supply and marketing cooperatives rarely have them. My son-in-law says they’re hard to find even in the city. The moment they appear, they’re snapped up, and they cost much more than regular candy.”
The others gazed at the candy with newfound admiration.
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